Visitors to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History will be able to swim — virtually — with some pretty big fishes when the National Geographic Society traveling exhibition, “Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants,” opens Oct. 8.
Based on the Nat Geo WILD show, “Monster Fish,” the interactive exhibit includes five life-size sculptures of monster fish, along with videos and interactive activities for all ages.
“For thousands of years, people have been fascinated by these freshwater giants, as will the visitors to this exhibit,” said Sarah Crawford, the museum’s director of exhibitions. “ ‘Monster Fish’ supports the museum’s commitment to explore the interconnectedness of life on earth. The story of these fascinating fish has become so intertwined with that of humans — from sport fishermen as environmental stewards to scientists who seek to research and protect the fish.”
Visitors will journey to river basins around the world to learn about the colossal fish and the people who depend on them. Detailed maps, sculptures and custom illustrations will showcase about 20 fish species and their diverse freshwater ecosystems.
Displays will highlight the biology of each species, cultural ties between the fish and local people, threats to their survival and conservation efforts, through the work of aquatic ecologist Zeb Hogan, a National Geographic Explorer and host of “Monster Fish.” Hogan has spent nearly two decades studying rare, large freshwater fish species.
“Zeb Hogan shows us that, despite their size, these fish are an increasingly fragile link in some of the most important freshwater ecosystems on Earth,” said Kathryn Keane, National Geographic’s vice president of public experiences.
Interactive elements and games will provide opportunities for learning about how monster fish grow, how scientists study them and how anglers and others can help them survive. These features include:
• “Monster Size Me,” in which visitors maneuver a marble through a circular obstacle course, avoiding threats like invasive species and dams and seeking ways to grow areas like protected habitats.
• “Minnow or Monster,” where groups can step onto a large scale to see their equivalent weight in monster fish.
• “Go Fish,” a game in which children use magnetic fishing poles to catch fish and then place them into a chute for release back into the river.
• A model boat serving as a theater, where guests climb aboard to view five video shorts featuring Hogan talking about what it is like to search the world for monster fish.
Admission to the museum at 4400 Forbes Ave. in Pittsburgh’s Oakland section is by timed ticketing. All visitors age 2 and older will be required to wear masks.
Details: carnegiemnh.org